Ventura, Calif. — The Ventura Fire Department wants to show appreciation to local families who join the sounds of fire safety challenge and start conversations about fire prevention with loved ones.
“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” is the 2021 theme for National Fire Prevention Week, which serves to help residents understand the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) make. When an alarm beeps or chirps, immediate action is needed.
In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, happening October 3-9, the public is invited to download an activity sheet and share it on social for a chance to win a video shoutout from a local firefighter.
“Working smoke alarms are proven to save lives because they give people crucial extra seconds to evacuate,” said Fire Marshal Joe Morelli. “During fire prevention week, check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly, practice your home escape plan, and make sure that your loved ones know how to quickly respond if an alarm sounds. These simple steps will help protect your family during an emergency.”
From 2012 to 2016, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated that nearly three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.
The Ventura Fire Department shares the following sounds of fire safety tips:
- A continuous set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. Visit VenturaCityFire.com to download the Ready Ventura County Emergency Preparedness Guide.
- A single chirp every 30-60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life, and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after ten years.
- Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those who are hard of hearing or have other sensory or physical disabilities. Strobe light, low frequency, and bed shaker alarms are other options to consider.
To participate in the sounds of fire safety challenge, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FirePreventionWeek to download the activity sheet, complete it, and share it on social media by tagging or direct messaging @venturacityfire on Facebook or Instagram.
To learn more about the fire prevention and Ventura Fire’s educational resources, visit www.VenturaCityFire.com or contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist, at [email protected].
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